A proposal to create a South Worcestershire unitary council to run services where every community flourishes is set to be considered by Worcester City Council. The plan would see the new authority created alongside another for North Worcestershire.
On Tuesday 25 November Councillors will vote on whether to submit the document, “Transforming Worcestershire: Local government that works for people, powered by place and built for the future”, to the Government before the deadline of 28 November.
The 158-page document has been put together in collaboration with Bromsgrove, Redditch, Malvern Hills and Wychavon councils. Those councils are also taking the document to their councillors for approval over the next two weeks.
It sets out a two-council proposal for the future of local government in Worcestershire – Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest to the North, and Malvern, Worcester and Wychavon in the South. Some services, like social care, would run across the whole area.
The proposal document includes a bold vision for the future of local government in the county:
“We’re shaping a thriving Worcestershire, north and south, where every community flourishes and public satisfaction drives everything we do. Through bold local leadership and the power of devolution, we’ll unlock opportunity, remove barriers, and deliver services that truly reflect the needs of our people and places.
“By creating two dynamic councils rooted in local identity, we’ll build vibrant, sustainable communities where residents and partners can grow, connect, and succeed. This is our commitment: a local and responsive Worcestershire, driven by what works best for each unique area.”
Worcester City Council Leader Cllr Lynn Denham said: “The five district councils have worked together really well to develop this shared vision, with cross-party support. Each Leader will be presenting this to their council colleagues before the end of the month. We’ve got an exciting vision to truly transform local government in Worcestershire, putting our residents at the heart of the services we provide to them.”
The proposal has been compiled in response to the Government’s requirement for Local Government Reorganisation, that is due to bring in major changes to local councils from April 2028.
Find out more about Local Government Reorganisation.
The north and south case for change includes proposals that:
- Reflect the clear preference of key stakeholders in Worcestershire
- Drive long-term financial sustainability through a focus on outcomes
- Keep decision-making local and close to communities
- Unlock a relational approach to working with local partners
- Reflect the unique geographies and local identities of North and South Worcestershire
- Enable tailored economic and place strategies to unlock growth
- Unlock devolution through balance and flexibility
- Maximise the opportunity to transform service delivery models
- Reflect balanced needs and enable targeted local delivery
- Support a fairer and more proportionate approach to council tax harmonisation.
Cllr Denham added: “The north and south model is the only Worcestershire proposal that captures and considers genuine engagement and feedback from stakeholders throughout the entire process. We have listened to residents, local communities, businesses and stakeholders and prepared a robust, viable and deliverable vision for the future of local government services in Worcestershire.”
The final submission comes after the five authorities considered an objective, evidence-based appraisal, which explored factors including costs, population distribution, economy, democracy, and local identity, back in September.
It has been developed following June’s Shape Worcestershire public engagement exercise, which saw 62.5% of respondents favouring a two-council model. In response, the five Councils agreed to work together to submit a proposal for that option.
A separate alternative proposal, which would create a single unitary council for the whole of Worcestershire, is also due to be submitted to the Government by Worcestershire County Council.
Read the Transforming Worcestershire proposal.
It will be considered at Worcester City Council’s meeting on Tuesday 25 November, starting at 7pm. Watch the meeting live on Worcester City Council's YouTube channel.
